Understanding Crossbite, Underbite, Overbite, and Other Dental Bite Conditions: Causes and Treatment Options
A malocclusion is where the alignment of the jaws and teeth are not correct. This might mean that the top row of teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth. Or that the lower teeth are positioned to one side of the upper teeth. Such issues may have a negative effect on an individual’s appearance, especially when they smile. But they will almost always have a bad impact on an individual’s oral health. Over time, the problems caused by malocclusions tend to get worse. So prompt treatment is high recommended.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can happen on one or both sides of the mouth and can involve either the front teeth, back teeth, or both.
Crossbites can be caused by several factors, including:
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of a crossbite. If a parent has a crossbite, the child is more likely to develop one.
Delayed Tooth Eruption: If baby teeth do not fall out in a timely manner, or if permanent teeth do not emerge correctly, a crossbite can occur.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or nasal blockages can influence jaw development, leading to crossbite.
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Braces: Traditional braces can help align the teeth and correct crossbites by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position.
Palatal expander: For younger patients, a palatal expander is often used. This device gradually widens the upper jaw to correct the crossbite.
Clear aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are an alternative to braces and can also be effective in treating crossbites.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. This condition is often more severe and can affect both appearance and function, making it difficult to chew and speak properly.
Underbites can be caused by:
Genetics: Like crossbites, underbites are often the result of the inherited size and shape of the jaw. Children are more likely to have underbite if their parent or grandparents had the condition.
Jaw growth issues: Disproportionate growth of the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw can lead to an underbite.
Thumb sucking or pacifier use: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use in childhood can push the lower jaw forward, resulting in an underbite.
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Braces: Braces can correct the alignment of the teeth and help to reduce or eliminate an underbite.
Jaw surgery: In severe cases, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be necessary to reposition the jaw.
Orthodontic appliances: Certain orthodontic appliances, such as chin caps, can be used in growing children to guide the jaw into the correct position.
Overbite
An overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. This can lead to a variety of dental problems, including gum issues, tooth wear, and jaw pain.
The causes of overbites include:
Genetics: Many overbites are hereditary, resulting from the natural shape of the jaw.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use: Like underbites, overbites can develop due to prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use during childhood.
Teeth grinding: Habitual teeth grinding (bruxism) can exacerbate an overbite by wearing down the teeth, leading to further misalignment.
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Braces: Traditional braces are a common treatment for overbites, gradually shifting the teeth into the correct position.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are also effective in correcting mild to moderate overbites.
Bite Correction Devices: Certain appliances can be used to adjust the position of the jaw and correct overbites in growing children.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed. This can cause difficulty in biting or chewing food.
Open bites might be caused by:
Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting: Persistent thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can push the teeth out of alignment, leading to an open bite.
Jaw Issues: Disproportionate growth of the jaws can result in an open bite.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can affect jaw development, contributing to an open bite.
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Braces: Braces are often used to correct open bites by aligning the teeth properly.
Orthodontic Appliances: Certain appliances can help reposition the teeth and jaws, especially in younger patients.
Behavioural Therapy: In cases where habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting are contributing factors, behavioural therapy can be beneficial in stopping these habits.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. This can lead to overlapping teeth, difficulty cleaning the teeth, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
Crowded teeth can result from:
Genetics: Inherited traits, such as having a small jaw, can lead to crowded teeth.
Premature Tooth Loss: If baby teeth are lost too early, the surrounding teeth may shift, causing crowding.
Delayed Tooth Eruption: If permanent teeth take too long to come in, other teeth may move into their space, leading to crowding.
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Braces: Braces can gradually shift the teeth into their correct positions, creating more space and reducing crowding.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners can also be used to treat mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the dentist may recommend removing one or more teeth to make room for the remaining teeth.
Our Orthodontist Sydney CBD Clinic
Crossbite, underbite, overbite, open bite, crowded teeth or similar issues should be treated by an orthodontist. If left untreated the conditions often cause oral health problems, such as tooth wear. They can also lead to problems with the joints in the jaw. Early detection and treatment by a dentist or orthodontist can prevent complications. Suitable treatment, often in our late teens, will ensure proper alignment by the time we reach our early adult years. Though it is still possible to have the issues corrected at an older age. Treatment options usually consist of standard braces, or clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. In some cases surgery will be required to address these issue. We recommend regular dental check-ups from a young age to find, monitor and managing any oral conditions, so appropriate treatment can be applied at the best time.
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Dr Knox Kim has been Invisalign’s Diamond Invisalign Provider and he is one of the Invisalign’s few clinical consultant/speaker among General dentists in Australia.
Reaching the top 6th in the world in Invisalign International Gallery, Dr Kim is the principal dentist at Sydney CBD and vice principal dentist at Tokyo, Finished over 1,500 Invisalign patients in both Sydney and Tokyo.
He has been the Invisalign’s official clinical speaker, having lectured in China (Shangai, Hangzhou), Korea (Seoul), Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya), USA (Las Vegas), and all the major cities in Australia and New Zealand
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